Predictive Map Control of Harvester Deck Plate Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural harvesters face performance degradation due to varying ear sizes in fields, leading to grain loss and inefficiencies in deck plate spacing adjustments, which are not properly addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The generation of a predictive map using in-situ sensor data and prior information maps to control agricultural work machines, specifically adjusting deck plate positioning and spacing based on ear size predictions to optimize harvesting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If fixed deck plate spacing is used during harvesting, then machine structure is simple and easy to operate, but grain loss increases when ear sizes vary across the field
Solution Approach 1:
The deck plate spacing is made dynamically adjustable during harvesting operations. The system automatically changes spacing between deck plates based on real-time ear size measurements, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to varying crop conditions to prevent grain loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously measure ear size and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of deck plate spacing, allowing the machine to respond to actual field conditions and optimize harvesting performance
Solution Approach 3:
The physical parameter of deck plate spacing is changed in response to varying ear sizes. By adjusting this parameter dynamically throughout the harvesting operation, the system maintains optimal clearing performance across different crop conditions without manual intervention
2Productivity
If manual adjustment of deck plates is used, then device complexity is low, but harvesting productivity decreases due to operator intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The harvesting system performs self-adjustment of deck plate spacing without requiring operator intervention. The automated system monitors ear size and independently modifies deck plate positioning, enabling continuous operation at optimal settings and maximizing harvesting productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical adjustment of deck plates is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors and actuators. This substitution eliminates the need for operator intervention while maintaining precise control over deck plate spacing, thereby improving harvesting efficiency
3Object-generated harmful factors
If uniform deck plate spacing is maintained, then machine operation is simple, but material other than grain intake increases in varying field conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The deck plate spacing transitions from a static uniform setting to a dynamic variable configuration. The system automatically adjusts spacing throughout the harvesting operation to match local ear sizes, reducing the intake of material other than grain while maintaining operational simplicity through automation
Data Source
AI summary
One or more information maps are obtained by an agricultural work machine. The one or more information maps map one or more agricultural characteristic values at different geographic locations of a field. An in-situ sensor on the agricultural work machine senses an agricultural characteristic as the agricultural work machine moves through the field. A predictive map generator generates a predictive map that predicts a predictive agricultural characteristic at different locations in the field based on a relationship between the values in the one or more information maps and the agricultural characteristic sensed by the in-situ sensor. The predictive map can be output and used in automated machine control.